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This was a two location birding and wildlife holiday. Starting in the Forest of Dean we enjoyed daytime birding in the forest and evening drives looking for wild boar (successfully). The second location was the Somerset Levels birding at various locations. The highlight of this part of the trip was watching the starlings coming in to roost. Accommodation at both locations was good. The guide was extremely knowledgeable and helpful. Naturetrek was always extremely helpful whenever we contacted them. Their pre-departure and final instructions were, as always clear and helpful.
C.W. Lincolnshire, Nov 23
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The Forest of Dean and Somerset Levels
Tour Code: GBR111By combining two of our most popular British wildlife breaks, this 7-day tour offers the chance to enjoy some of the best British winter wildlife experiences in one holiday.
7 days
from
£1,295 (land only)
£1,295 (land only)
Highlights
Tour Itinerary and Reports
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Summary
The Forest of Dean is an area of ancient mixed woodland covering an area in excess of 100 square kilometres. This forest is one of the last remaining ancient woodlands in the UK and plays host to a whole wealth of exciting wildlife. Hawfinch, Crossbill and Wild Boar are just three of a range of special wildlife species which live here and that we will be aiming to find with our expert guide.
The Somerset Levels and moors make up a wetland area which includes 32 Sites of Special Scientific Interest. Our visit is timed to coincide with the internationally important numbers of wildfowl found here in winter, such as Wigeon, Gadwall, Pintail and Shoveler. Bitterns are now an established breeding species on the levels and, during the winter, numbers increase with migrants from the continent; we have a good chance of catching sight of one. There are small numbers of wintering raptors such as Merlin and Hen Harriers, with Marsh Harrier more numerous, while the resident Barn Owls can be glimpsed at any time of day. Another bird we’ll be hoping to see is the Starling – or, to be more precise, hundreds of thousands of them, murmurating, in one of the most amazing wildlife spectacles that the UK has to offer.
- Enjoy the varied birdlife of the Forest of Dean
- Goshawks and Peregrine Falcon
- Search for Wild Boar
- Hawfinch, Brambling & Crossbill all targets
- Slimbridge WWT to enjoy Bewick’s Swans, White-fronted Geese and other wildfowl and waders
- Spectacular Starlings coming to roost
- Common Cranes and Bittern possible
- A great number of woodland and wetland species and the perfect tour to learn bird song
Outline Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive Speech House Hotel, Forest of Dean
Day 2/3
Explore the Forest of Dean
Day 4
Somerset via Slimbridge WWT
Day 5/7
Explore the Somerset Levels
Reviews
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It was a Naturetrek guided 6 day trip to the Forest of Dean and then the Somerset levels, with a visit to Slimbridge on route. The guides were so enthusiastic and brilliant at spotting what birds were about that I felt we had the best possible opportunity to enjoy everything despite the worst possible weather conditions. The hotels were fine and we were very well fed throughout. Well organised and good communication throughout. Always helpful and friendly.
A.H. North Yorkshire, Feb 22 -
A great introduction to these two areas and their wildlife, in particular the bird life. Excellent opportunities to see waterfowl, waders, the starling murmuration, species on my 'wish list' such as hawfinch, crossbill, crane and the wild boar. Unexpected highlights: a curfew of 40+ curlew, 200+ brambling and a couple of glossy ibis. All aspects from enquiry through to delivery were professionally managed and seamless. All enquiries were dealt with swiftly and efficiently. The six night trip (two destinations and two hotels) was well organised and meant there was nothing for us to do but enjoy the experience. The tour guide was knowledgeable and personable.
A.F. Shropshire, Jan 22 -
Superb tour leader. Excellent locations and limited travel within each location. Would be hard-pressed to think of a better way to spend a week in a dark and gloomy January...
J.K. Perth & Kinross. January 2022 -
Excellent bird sightings including new species to me, abundance, even overindulgence of great food in both hotels and lunch stops, regular “comfort breaks” rather than bush stops made this a great winter break. M.R. Devon
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Tracking wild boars and other mammals in the Forest of Dean and seeing amazing birds including hawfinchs and a mesmerising starling murmuration complete with a peregrine falcon and a sparrowhawk on the Somerset Levels.
L.L. Yorkshire, Dec 20 -
I was able to go to Forest of Dean and Somerset Levels and enjoyed seeing so much wildlife had a great guide who is very knowledgeable.
A.M. London, Dec 20
Dates & Prices
2025
Departures
Availability
Cost
Sat 22nd Nov – Fri 28th Nov
5
£1,295
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£1,295
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£190
2026
Departures
Availability
Cost
Sat 21st Nov – Fri 27th Nov
SPACES
£1,345
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£1,345
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£195
Prefer to Travel in a Private Group?
For any interested natural history club or society, we can arrange for a private departure of this tour.
Enquire
Why Naturetrek?
At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:
- The widest choice of wildlife holidays worldwide
- Tours managed and led by naturalists, for naturalists
- Outstanding value and exceptional customer service
Furthermore, as a Naturetrek client, our office team are always to on hand to help you – so if you have any queries about your holiday, whether before or after you have booked, we will be delighted to answer them on the phone. Please just give our team a call!
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Louise Larkinson travelled on our 'Forest of Dean and the Somerset Levels' holiday and submitted this entry to our writing competition.
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